Flem

What's up everybody? I'm going to lose this vacation if I don't take it in Mid-December. I was looking for a quick 4-5 night trip somewhere in Europe. Is there anywhere that I could realistically go and be satisfied? I don't mind roughing it and I'm just looking to explore some bookstores/cafes, museums, music shops, nightlife , etc... I know the weather won't really be "ideal", but as long as it's not extreme, I'm cool. If you have any suggestions, or you wish to comment about a short 4-5 night trip that you really enjoyed, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Flem

I guess first I need to spell Suggestion right !!

janisj

&quot;<i>bookstores/cafes, museums, music shops, nightlife , etc</i>&quot; sounds like London or Paris to me . . . .

where2

If you are in the USA,first look into where you can get a direct flight, if anywhere. For 4-5 nights you don't want to make a bunch of connections.

I agree with London and Paris based on what you like to do. What about Amsterdam. . .

Flem

Where2:

I am seriously considering Amsterdam. Do you agree with the school of thought that says sooner or later, you need to choose your destination and put all of your energy into going to that particular place?

I only have all of these back-up destinations in mind because of how the prices fluctuate.

I'm trying to decide when I need to &quot;close my options&quot; for a trip arriving on 12/13. What do you think?

Flem

janisj:

Can I pretty much get by on a moderate budget in either of those places for 4-5 days?

janisj

everybody's &quot;moderate&quot; is different. Nowhere in the &pound; or &euro; zones will be &quot;cheap&quot; but there are money saving tips to make any city affordable.

For instance London hotels are expensive - but Priceline is great and all the museums are free.

Paris hotels cost less than London, but most of the museums have entry fees.

Same for A'dam.

It all sort of averages out.

travelgourmet

As others have said, with 4-5 nights, I would go where you can get a direct flight/easy connection. For most that means Amsterdam, Paris, or London.

If you go with Priceline, London can actually be done (relatively) cheaply and would be my choice. Paris can get VERY cold during December. And London, is frankly, so vibrant right now - probably my favorite place in Europe right now.

elaine

Before you said it, I was going to suggest Amsterdam. My trip there was 4.5 days and I thought it a perfect amount of time. I have a trip file; if you'd like to see it, email me at [email protected]

Flem

Thank you. I think I have my top 4:

(1) Amsterdam
(2) Paris
(3) London
(4) Montreal

Flem

Elaine:

Thank you for your comments. You should be receiving my e-mail shortly
I would love to check it out.

Flem

travelgourmet &amp; janisj:

Thank you for your input

suze

Amsterdam fits perfectly for what you describe. Paris would work too. But I think you can bring in A'dam a bit cheaper. Either of these are less expensive than London. I found Amsterdam one of the easiest cities I have visited so far (along with Venice). Just very easy to figure things out there.